IN what could be a sign of things to come in the next two weeks, over 5,000 workers in Metro Manila have been displaced ahead of the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
In a televised public briefing, Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique yesterday said they have received reports of NCR establishments displacing thousands of workers from July 30 to August 4.
“We have about 178 establishments that reduced their workforce, adopted rotation of workers, reduced working hours, or temporary closure,” said Tutay.
“These establishments involve some 5,322 workers. This is just for the past 6 days in NCR ahead of the effectivity of the ECQ,” she added.
Tutay said this may only be a sign of things to come under the ECQ. “The two-week lockdown will surely have a big effect on our workforce,” she said.
Starting today, Friday, ECQ will be reimposed in Metro Manila until August 20.
According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, he is confident the adverse effect of the ECQ will easily be overcome by Metro Manila workers.
“Because of this two-week lockdown, we expect to see that the employment rate will go downward and unemployment rate will increase,” Bello said. “But it is only for two weeks. I am confident we will bounce back after the two-week lockdown.”
